There are many good reasons why an increasing number of companies are moving away from break-fix services and opting for a managed service provider (MSP) instead. The MSP model can reduce IT costs by 25%-45% and boost efficiency by 45%-65%. However, knowing how to choose a managed IT services provider is imperative to ensuring cost savings and efficiency.
| “It’s not just about choosing a cost-effective MSP, it is about choosing the RIGHT MSP for your business goals and needs.” – Atul Bhagat, President/CEO, BASE Solutions |
Like all other service providers, some MSPs are better than others. Additionally, even a good MSP may not be the best fit for your specific business needs. Choosing the wrong provider can be a big waste of time and money, so taking a strategic approach can help you choose right the first time.
This article is here to help. We’ll go over 6 simple steps to help you choose the right MSP and discuss questions to ask an MSP when it’s time for you to book a call with a candidate.
Choosing an MSP in 6 Simple Steps
1. Narrow Down Your Managed Services Selection Criteria
Start by identifying what specific criteria are most important for your business. Think about your business goals and how technology may be able to help you meet them.
You don’t need to be a tech expert to make that decision. Consider factors such as reliability, customer service reputation, and the ability to scale services as your business grows – then search MSPs who demonstrate that they prioritize the same factors you do.
2. Research Potential MSPs
Based on your managed services vendor selection criteria, research MSPs who meet your needs. You can use the classic “Google search,” ask for recommendations from other business owners in your network, or read online reviews and testimonials.
3. Evaluate & Shortlist Candidates
The size of the MSP market is set to grow to $834.7 billion by 2032. That means there are far more MSPs out there than what you can realistically interview. So, narrowing down a shortlist of candidates that best fit your criteria is best.
Once you’ve narrowed it down, book your discovery calls to evaluate each potential MSP. As you ask questions, make sure you think about how they answer, not just what they answer. If they’re able to explain their services in clear language, it is evident that they have well-established processes.
4. Check References
Ask for and follow up with references provided by the MSPs. This will give you insight into their reliability and the quality of their service from existing clients. However, be careful not to be overly reliant on these. Of course, the potential MSPs will only choose their best and won’t show you their flaws.
5. Make Your Decision
Based on the information gathered, choose the MSP that best aligns with your business needs and values. Although, ensure their contract terms are clear and favorable before signing. If they’re not, ask lots of questions about it. Doing so will help you avoid unexpected charges.
6. Plan Your Transition
Work closely with your chosen MSP to plan and execute a smooth transition. Ensure everyone who will work with your provider is informed about the transition well in advance. Clear communication will help ensure minimal operational disruptions during the transition.
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Technical Questions For Qualifying an MSP
During your research phase, you should ask yourself several qualifying questions to narrow down your possible MSPs. Here are a few ideas about what to look for and why to look for it. Of course, you can always add other questions as your needs change.
| What to Look For | Why to Look For It |
|---|---|
| How do their services adapt to various industries? | To determine if their solutions can be customized to specific industry needs. Assess whether they have a track record of adapting their services to the distinct requirements of different sectors. |
| What baseline cybersecurity measures are integrated? | To understand the fundamental level of security and protection they offer. Check for a comprehensive set of security practices that are consistently applied to safeguard all clients. |
| How can their services enhance my business operations and facilitate growth? | To explore how their technological solutions can solve specific operational challenges and contribute to scalability. Look for evidence that their support not only resolves current issues but also positions businesses for future expansion and efficiency. |
5 Questions to Ask During MSP Discovery Calls
Once you’ve narrowed it down, you’ll need to ask more questions during discovery calls before making a decision. Here are 5 question ideas to get you started.
1. What is your client onboarding process?
Understand how the MSP integrates new clients into their system, ensuring a smooth transition with minimal disruptions to your operations. This is vital to minimize downtime and ensure that your business processes continue smoothly during the switch.
2. How do you structure your pricing?
Gain clarity on pricing, including how charges are structured, what is included in the quoted price, and any potential extra costs, to avoid surprises. This transparency is important for budgeting and financial planning, ensuring you get good value for your investment.
3. What are your communication protocols for client support?
86% of companies say that poor internal communication has a negative impact on their bottom line. However, you can avoid that situation with your IT support. Ask about the methods and frequency of communication, especially in terms of how they report issues, updates, and resolutions to help you stay informed.
4. Can you provide details on your disaster recovery plans?
Inquire about the measures in place for data protection and recovery in the event of a disaster. Knowing their disaster recovery capabilities is essential to evaluate how they can protect your data and help you maintain business continuity during emergencies.
5. What training and support do you offer to ensure we utilize your services effectively?
Ask about the availability of training sessions or support to help your team maximize the MSP’s services. This will enhance the value of the services provided and empower your team with the knowledge to handle minor issues independently.
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Start Your Search Today with BASE Solutions
Whether you need additional resources to manage your IT infrastructure, move to cloud services, or do anything else, a reliable MSP can help. Using one to take a proactive approach to your IT will also help you prevent technical difficulties before they occur.
BASE Solutions would be happy to be your MSP. If you’re ready to start your search, we’d be glad if you considered us as one of your options. You can even try us risk-free thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee for new clients within the first 30 days.
Reach out to us if you’re interested!
